Australia Student Visa Requirements in 2026: Subclass 500 Complete Guide

Australia remains one of the most popular study destinations for Nepali students, with world-ranked universities, post-study work opportunities, and a multicultural society. However, the student visa process has changed significantly in recent years — the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement has been replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, financial thresholds have increased, and visa fees have risen substantially since 2024. This guide covers every requirement you need to meet for a Subclass 500 student visa application in 2026, with specific guidance for students applying from Nepal.

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the single visa subclass for all international students studying in Australia. It covers every level of study — from English language courses (ELICOS) and vocational training (VET) through to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. This visa replaced the previous numbered subclasses (570–576) in July 2016.

A Subclass 500 visa allows you to:

• Study full-time at a CRICOS-registered education provider in Australia
• Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions and unlimited hours during official course breaks
• Include eligible family members (spouse and dependent children) on your application
• Stay in Australia for up to 5 years, aligned with your course duration plus any additional time granted
• Travel in and out of Australia while your visa remains valid

The Department of Home Affairs assesses your application against several requirements. Every item on this checklist must be addressed before you lodge your visa application online through the ImmiAccount portal.

From 23 March 2024, the Australian Government replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. If your existing application or research still references a “GTE statement,” that framework no longer applies.

The key difference: under the old GTE, you had to prove you would leave Australia after your studies. Under the GS requirement, the Department acknowledges that some students may pursue permanent residency after graduation — this is no longer a disqualifying factor. Instead, the focus is on whether you are a genuine student whose primary purpose is obtaining a quality education.

You answer four core questions directly in the online visa application (maximum 150 words each):

If you are applying onshore (already in Australia on another visa), you answer a fifth question explaining your current visa status and why you are switching to a student visa.

All Subclass 500 visa applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an approved test. The minimum score requirements vary by course level, but the general visa-level requirement is an IELTS overall band of 6.0 with no individual band below 5.5.

Higher-demand programs typically require higher scores:

If you do not meet the English requirement for your chosen course, you can enrol in an ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) program as a pathway. Many Australian universities offer packaged offers that combine an ELICOS program with your degree course.

You must demonstrate that you have genuine access to sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living costs, and travel for the duration of your stay. The Department of Home Affairs sets minimum living cost thresholds that are updated each year on 1 July.

In total, you must show funds for:

• First year’s tuition fees (or 12 months, whichever is shorter) as listed in your CoE
• Living costs (AUD $29,710 for a single student)
• Return airfare to Nepal (approximately AUD $2,000–$3,000)
• School fees for any school-age dependent children

For example, if your first-year tuition is AUD $30,000, you need to demonstrate approximately AUD $61,710 in total (tuition + living costs + travel) — or provide evidence of an approved education loan or scholarship covering these amounts.

OSHC is mandatory for all Student Visa (Subclass 500) holders. Your health cover must be active from the day you arrive in Australia until the day your visa expires. You cannot lodge a visa application without nominating an OSHC policy.

There are five approved OSHC providers in Australia:

Many Australian universities have preferred OSHC providers and may include the cost in your tuition package. Check with your education provider before purchasing OSHC independently, as some offer discounted group rates.

OSHC covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, ambulance services, and some prescription medicines. It does not cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy — you would need additional private health insurance for those.

The Subclass 500 visa application fee is AUD $1,600 for the primary applicant. This fee increased significantly from AUD $710 in July 2024 and is reviewed every year on 1 July.

You pay the application fee online through ImmiAccount when you lodge your visa. Payment is accepted by credit or debit card. The fee is charged in Australian dollars — your bank will convert it to NPR at the prevailing exchange rate plus any international transaction fee.

Here is the complete process for applying for an Australian student visa from Nepal, from initial research through to arrival in Australia:

Processing times for the Subclass 500 visa vary depending on your country of passport, the completeness of your application, and the time of year. Current processing benchmarks from the Department of Home Affairs:

Several factors can delay your application:

• Incomplete documents — missing bank statements, English test results, or health examination results
• Additional information requests — the Department may ask for further evidence of financial capacity or genuine student intent
• Health or character concerns — additional checks if your medical or police clearance raises flags
• Peak intake periods — February and July intakes see the highest application volumes

Once your Student Visa (Subclass 500) is granted, you must comply with several conditions. Breaching these conditions can result in visa cancellation.

The 48-hour fortnightly work limit applies across all jobs combined — part-time employment, casual shifts, gig economy work (UberEats, DoorDash), freelance contracts, and paid internships all count. The only exceptions are PhD/doctoral students and Masters by Research students, who can work unlimited hours, and mandatory work placements that are a registered part of your CRICOS course.

Navigating the Australian student visa process from Nepal involves multiple steps, strict documentation standards, and evolving requirements. Edwise Foundation has been helping Nepali students study in Australia since 2005, with a 96% acceptance rate and partnerships with over 150 universities across Australia, the USA, UK, and Canada.

As Nepal’s first AIRC-certified education consultancy, our Australia advisors — several of whom personally studied in Australia — guide you through every stage: selecting the right course and university, preparing your Genuine Student responses, organising financial documents, arranging OSHC, lodging your visa application, and preparing for pre-departure. We ensure your application meets all Department of Home Affairs requirements before submission.

If you are a Nepali student considering Australia for your higher education, visit our study in Australia from Nepal page or book a free consultation at our Kathmandu office to discuss your options.